Auto News – Page 827 – Automobiles Review

Jeep Grand Cherokee S, Wrangler Mountain and Compass Black going to Europe

Jeep_Wrangler-Mountain_THUMB All new three limited edition vehicles for Wrangler, Compass and Grand Cherokee are going to enrich the Jeep European lineup. The new Mountain limited-edition model is the perfect vehicle for the performance and outdoor enthusiasts, whereas the all-new Jeep Compass Black Edition special-edition model and the S Limited trim line are going to bring more style and power.

These new Jeep vehicles are going to contribute to enhance the brand’s portfolio in Europe in the second half of 2012.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain is going to be officially launched in June but has already debuted at the latest Geneva Motor Show. On the other hand the Jeep Compass Black Edition will arrive in Jeep dealerships at the end of August and the new S Limited trim line of Grand Cherokee, will debut in September.

Jeep Grand Cherokee S Limited Edition combines stand-out from the crowd exterior design and sporty stance, thanks to the efficiency of the 3.0-litre V-6 CRD engine fitted with Multijet II technology. The latter is able to deliver 241 horsepower (177 kW) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque.

Furthermore, the vehicle runs on one-of-a-kind black-gloss 20-inch alloy wheels. The distinctive styling cues and ‘Black’ exterior treatments create the aggressive and muscular look of new S Limited Jeep Grand Cherokee, which debuted in Geneva as a concept model as well.

The exterior includes more streamlined appearance thanks to the introduction of new roof molding covers which replace the roof rack. Next, the vehicle’s grille surround is in black gloss and the mesh grille texture – in platinum chrome. The same platinum chrome can be seen on the lower fascia applique´, which completes the unique front-end appearance.

The interior of the new S Limited is all leather-wrapped. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped as well, perforated however. The ventilated sports-styled Nappa leather completes the suede seats. Carbon fiber accents are integrated into the instrument panel and door trim panels.

The standard equipment for on-board comfort and infotainment includes the latest technologies: UConnect® multimedia infotainment and navigation system with 6.5-inches touchscreen, 30 gigabyte hard disk, USB compatibility, AUX port, DVD video and voice activated Bluethooth UConnect Phone, Command View®dual-pane panoramic sunroof, state-of-the-art audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon®.

Of course, in the new S Limited Edition is included a vast array of advanced safety and security features: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Electronic Rollover Mitigation (ERM), ABS with off-road calibration, Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) and 7 airbags (front seat, sidebags, side-curtain front and rear, seat-mounted). All of these are featured as a standard.

As optional equipment the new S Limited model offers the following: Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-path detection.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain is the new special edition-model for outdoor enthusiasts, which combines off-road capability, reliability and security. The Wrangler Mountain is powered by the efficient 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmission.

Another engine option is the 3.6-litre V-6 Pentastar matched to a five-speed automatic gearbox. The new limited-edition model is going to be offered in two- and four-door versions.

Undoubtedly the Jeep Wrangler Mountain has unique exterior and interior design. It is even further improved by exclusive styling cues: 17-inch wheels and authentic accessories by Mopar®. The exterior colors for the vehicle are the all-new Gecko, the Black, Bright White, Dozer and Black Forrest Green.

The exterior features include a unique Black decal on the hood, front Mineral Gray grille and painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch wheels. Additional features are the ‘Mountain’ decal over part of the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates familiar to outdoor enthusiasts, side steps and black fuel-filler door from Mopar.

How about the interior: it includes fabric seats with Slate Grey stitching and embroidered ‘Mountain logo’, Moapr’s tread-pattern slush mats and grab handles.

More importantly the model will be powered by 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine which produces 200 horsepower (147 kW) at 3,600 rpm, 460 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque at 1,600-2,600 rpm when paired to a five-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Range Select (ERS).

Jeep Wrangler Mountain will also be available with the new 3.6-litre V-6 petrol engine. This one produces 284 horsepower (209 kW) and 347 Nm (256 lb-ft) of torque, matched to the automatic five-speed transaxle with ERS.

Jeep Compass Black Edition is the all-new Black look for the compact SUV. It includes unique Black exterior treatment, black-gloss step pad and runs on new 18-inch black-gloss aluminium wheels. All of these features contribute for its sporty look.

Moreover, this model is powered by an efficient 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine with 163 horsepower (120 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. Jeep off-road capability is ensured by the active full-time Freedom Drive I® four-wheel-drive system.

Furthermore, the added equipment in the vehicle includes: UConnect® multimedia navigation and infotainment with Bluetooth UConnect® Phone, 9-speaker premium Boston Acoustics sound system

Source: Jeep

June 13, 2012

2013 Ford Focus ST with Factory Overboost Turbo Engine

Ford has introduced the new 2013 Focus ST equipped with a turbo overboost feature increasing the power output. The car will also have tuned turbo to decrease response time and increase power throughout rev range.

The factory overboost will extend the torque curve from 3 000RPM to 4 500RPM for up to 15 seconds. This means not only more power, but better driving pleasure.

Originally, the Focus ST produces 250HP (184 kW) and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, but with the Factory Overboost, the engine will deliver 255HP (188 kW) and 366Nm (270 lb-ft). This represents more than 7% more output.

“The turbo itself is specified for sustained, high-output performance, but they’ve programmed the car’s computer to dial in more boost past 3,000 rpm to give it that extra something,” commented engineer Lisa Schoder, who is Marketing manager for Focus ST.

“We limit peak turbo boost to maintain a wide margin of safety and durability over the life of the car. But overboost is cool in that it tweaks more acceleration through the turbo for brief periods for performance-hungry drivers.”, he added.

Among the more visible options will be the Tangerine Scream metallic color that will be offered exclusively on Focus ST, as well as race-inspired Recaro seats with matching color accents.

Ford is offering drivers who preorder a Focus ST the GoPro® HD Hero2 Motorsports Edition camera pack upon delivery. The first 1 000 presale orders placed between May 1 and Aug. 20 are eligible for the GoPro HD Hero2 camera. The cameras will be sent after vehicle delivery.

2013 Ford Focus ST Pricing:

New Focus ST £21,995	New Focus ST-2 £23,495	New Focus ST-3 £25,495
18in alloy wheels	As ST, plus:	As ST-2, plus:
Recaro Cloth seats	Partial Leather trim	Leather trim
Manual A/C	DEATC	Heated front seats
Keyless start	Sony Radio	Bi-Xenon headlamps
Thatcham alarm	Rain sensitive wipers	LED DRLs
DAB radio	Auto Headlights	Keyless entry
Bluetooth	Self-dimming mirror	Power fold mirrors
USB	Quickclear
	ST Floor mats

Source: Ford

June 13, 2012

Bentley EXP 9 SUV Concept debuts at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Bentley EXP 9 SUV Concept is going to make its international debut at 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed. As a true Bentley this concept delivers exceptional performance combined with unmatched luxury.

The new vehicle is going to appear both as part of the Supercar Run up the iconic Goodwood Hill and on the Bentley Motors stand. In fact Bentley is to have strong presence at this event with a mix of contemporary and classic models. Goodwood Festival of Speed will take place 29th of June until 1st of July.

EXP 9 F is actually an attempt by the marque to build the fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world. The luxury factor can be definitely proven by the stunning interior made with the pinnacle of craftsmanship. The clean and muscular exterior on the other hand adds even more style to the car’s stance.

It is expected the Concept to include an exciting range of drivetrain options which are still under consideration. However, it is indubitable that the Bentley SUV would offer the thunderous performance.

Next to the debuting concept, at the Festival can be also seen the Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification

(MDS). This is the new driver-focussed edition of the Bentley flagship. Of course it delivers nothing else but powerful sporting performance.

Furthermore, the MDS comes equipped with sports-tuned suspension and steering settings, unique 21” alloy wheels, and a Diamond Quilted interior, and legendary comfort and refinement.

Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification

The other model of the marque that can be seen on their stand at Goodwill is the new 2012 Bentley Continental GT V8. It carries the all-new 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine that combines power and torque with an exceptional power-to-emissions ratio in the high luxury sports car sector.

With 507 hp (373 kW) and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque, the GT V8 sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds (0 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds). It has a top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h).

The persons driving these amazing Bentley models are Le Mans legend Derek Bell, Juha Kankkunen and Guy Smith.

Source: Bentley

June 13, 2012

2013 Nissan Pixo: Pricing and Specifications

2013 Nissan Pixo is Nissan‘s compact city car which now has been upgraded, refreshed and carries some new attitudes to bring to its customers this summer. The new model includes exquisite exterior colors and in addition will delight its driver and passengers with improved interior.

And of course as it can be expected from such a small range car, it delivers excellent fuel economy and CO2emissions of just 99g/km. The 5-door Nissan is powered by 68 horsepower (50 kW) by either a VISI A or n-tec 1.01 engines. Both engines are mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. However the latter one can be optionally equipped with 4-speed automatic one.

Pixo is definitely the urban-friendly vehicle, which perfectly combines an efficient three-cylinder engine and compact dimensions. With it anyone can avoid the traffic cones in the city, for example.

The enhancements in the interior for instance include door trims around the glovebox and centre console in black rather than grey. Now they add more a touch of class. In addition every Pixo is also fitted with an electronic auto-dimming rear view mirror.

The vehicle is going to deliver even fresher style by the range of exterior paint colors, which is now enriched by the two new metallic colours – Glistening Grey and Midnight Purple. Additionally, there are also six other shades available.

Prices for the 2013 Nissan Pixo start at £7250.

2013 Nissan Pixo Specifications and Pricing:

Doorplan	Grade	Engine	Transmission	Basic Price	VAT	Total Retail Price (£)	On The Road Price (£)
5 door	VISIA	1.0l 68PS	5 manual	5,995.83	1,199.17	7,195	7,250
	n-tec	1.0l 68PS	5 manual	6,829.17	1,365.83	8,195	8,250
	n-tec	1.0l 68PS	4 auto	7,579.17	1,515.83	9,095	9,150

PIXO Grade Specifications
VISIA	n-tec

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
• Power steering	• Front power windows
• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel	• Manual air conditioning
• 12v socket (front)
• Front cabin light
• Vanity mirror
• Pollen filter
HEATING, VENTILATION AND VISIBILITY
• 2-speed front wiper with intermittent setting
• Rear wiper
• Manually adjustable door mirrors
• Auto dimming rear view mirror
INSTRUMENTATION
• Headlamp leveller	• 50:50 split folding rear seats
SEATING, TRIM AND STORAGE
• 2 front cup holders
• 2 rear door storage pockets
• 2 Rear headrests
• Parcel shelf
SAFETY
• Front airbags	• Side airbags
• ABS with EBD and Brake assist
• ISOfix childseat anchorage points
• Child proof door locks
• Front fog lamps
SECURITY
• Immobiliser	• Central door locking
• Remote keyless entry
• Boot door opening lever
STYLING
• 14» Steel wheels with wheel covers	• 14″ alloy wheels
• Body coloured door mirrors
• Body coloured door handles
IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT
• CD player with MP3 playback
• 2 Speakers
OPTIONS AT EXTRA COST
• Metallic or Pearlescent paint	• Metallic or Pearlescent paint
• Safety Pack (Curtain Airbags & ESP)

Source: Nissan

June 13, 2012

1965 Buick Riviera Piece by eGarage

You’re sitting there at your kitchen table, bathrobe still on, sipping coffee and casually glancing at the columns on this morning’s Financial Times. Life’s pretty good when you are a self-made man – Two kids, a house big enough for two more and a BMW 5-series at the drive alley. Not the F10 though. It’s an E60 – you have been financially stable for quite a while now and at the time you were buying it, the F10 wasn’t out yet. Maybe you’ll wait for the next generation as to not appear too shallow.

Suddenly ripples form in your now half empty mug, subtle clinking comes from the cutlery next to your breakfast, the windows tremble in high frequency… and is that a boiling kettle you hear? Stepping outside you witness the embodiment of the one thing that you have always been missing – A matte black ’65 Buick Riviera ominously cruising the streets as your onlooking neighbors seem to shrink behind their neatly trimmed hedges. It’s your dark side basically, making a cameo.

Buick Riviera (1965) - Front Angle

Or… it could be just the guys from eGarage.com filming a piece about this prime example of 1960 US Automotive design. As a result, they ended up with this chill-inducing 1 minute or so video that got us all excited. Obviously this Riviera, promptly called “The Freak”, has had a bit of a modification. It was our keen eyes which saw that… in the description bellow – an AccuAir suspension system was used for that extra low-ride.

Anyway. The important thing is that the key concept behind the Riviera has been preserved…or at least that’s what we are hoping for – a 425 cu in (7.0L) engine rumbling out 340 hp at the least, a Twin Turbine automatic transmission, a double wishbone coil spring suspension plus power brakes and power steering. Those last three… they are not what you’d call innovation but keep in mind that this was the standard setup back in ’65 – a time when the wheel was still a hot topic. Then there are the cocooned (or clam-shell) headlights which might just be the coolest feature on a car…ever.

Buick Riviera (1965)

eGarage.com appreciate the aesthetics of cars worldwide. For them, representation, background and legacy is king. Also, we can always count on them for some eye-candy delivered by masterful photographers and cinematographers. The soundtrack here isn’t bad either.

httpv://vimeo.com/43683513

Source: eGarage.com via Vimeo

June 12, 2012

Nakai-San from Rauh Welt Begriff: thoughts on the creative process [VIDEO]

If you hear for the first time the name Nikai-San or are unfamiliar with Rauh Welt Begriff (RWB), then it is time to be introduced with a bit more information about this amazing Japan-based Porsche tuner.

Basically RWB has combined Japanese and Euro tuning elements, with the only aim – to create uniqueness. In particular, Nikai-San puts this philosophy into practice and creates the distinct RWB style for Porsche chassis. And the Porsches created are one-of-a-kind and belong to the sole customer.Back in the days, RWB has started off as a small countryside body-shop in Chiba-Ken.

Nevertheless RAUH-Welt 911’s can now be commonly seen on both the streets and racing circuits of Japan.This wonderful interview made by eGarage.com, delivers more information about the tuning process, what is the main source of inspiration, and more importantly, Nikai-San speaks about it himself!

httpv://vimeo.com/37040456

June 12, 2012

Chevrolet Camaro Safety Car Becomes WTCC Star [VIDEO]

Chevrolet was a main star in the past two years in the FIA WTCC seasons. Chevrolet’s emblematic vehicle was always “one wheel ahead” of its peers and with the Cruze ended up number one plus an additional place on the podium in 2010 and 2011.

Now in the year of 2012, Chevrolet is proud to present the another race car for the World Touring Car Championship. The company expect that it will leave its competitors far behind. This is namely the official Chevrolet Camaro Safety Car.

The video below chows how the coolest pace car in the WTCC history is portrayed. In there you will also see its predecessors and the most emotional scenes from the 46-year Camaro history.

In fact the first ever Camaro was built in 1966, and ever since then it has only showed its huge motor sports potential. It has proven this with the number of trophies it has won during the years.

Although as the WTCC safety car the Camaro includes a serial V8 engine, which produces 432 hp (318 kW). With it, it can undoubtedly it outrace the touring cars of the series by about 40 percent.

Behind the wheel of this exciting car will be Bruno Correia. He is an experienced race driver and has driven in more than 350 races. In the five-minute video clip include below, he casts light on the life of a pace car driver. Furthermore he speaks about the accident that had happened in 2009, when the safety car’s crew was acting rather rashly and collided with another race car. The result was serious accident.

Source: Chevrolet

June 12, 2012

Buick Verano comes to Europe under the disguise of 2013 Opel Astra

2013 Opel Astra Sedan is a notchback based on the GM’s Delta II platform. It was designed initially in US and Asia and at first was included in the Buick Excelle GT and then in Buick Verano. Now, the platform is going to be included in the Atra line-up whixh is scheduled to go on sale in Europe later this month.

The new Opel model is going to be offered with literally a wide range of engine choices. In fact, seven powerplants are going to be available at launch. The gas engines included are four and their horsepower range is from 100 to 180 (74 to 132 kW).

On the other hand the three diesel engines will deliver a power range from 95 to 130 hp (70 to 69 kW) and will feature the two ecoFLEX motors with Start/Stop technology. The seventh engine is also a gas one, and namely is the 1.6-liter turbochared, direct-injected SIDI Ecotec.

The Astra line-up consists of the new four-door sedan, the five-door hatchback, the Sports Tourer station wagon and the racy GTC coupe. The new Astra notchback sedan (Length/Width/Height: 4,658/1,814/1,476 mm) has a wheel base of 2,685 mm which means that it provides a generous interior space.

In addition it has a separate trunk, which offers 460 liters of volume. By folding the 60:40 split rear bench flat the luggage volume can be increased up to a maximum of 1,010 liters.

As you can see the new Astra has a very stylish and sleek silhouette, which is thanks to the well-balanced and harmonious automotive design. In addition, the new Astra includes a large array of technological highlights: Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL+) with bi-xenon headlamps, the adaptive FlexRide chassis system, the highly ergonomic AGR (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V”), navigation system Navi 900 top unit, etc.

Source: Opel via Autoblog

June 12, 2012

2013 Buick Verano Turbo Debut

The 2013 Buick Verano Turbo is going on sale later this year as a representative of the company’s efforts to downsize it’s engine fleet without sacrificing power output. The Verano will get 250 hp from a 2.0-liter engine.

“The 2.0L turbo engine was designed for refinement, higher output capabilities and reduced noise,” said Amy Joss, Ecotec 2.0L assistant chief engineer. “The way it sounds, the power delivery and the refined character are all fitting of a luxury sedan with a fun side.”

The power plant inside is no stranger to fame and acclaim. It’s a Buick 2.0 liter turbocharged Ecotec engine which last year, was named one of WardsAuto World’s 2012 10 Best Engines for North America. It’s sort of clever because of the eAssist tech used along side it, which helps boost performance and fuel-economy through the use of an electric motor and a battery. The Buick Regal luxury sport sedan will also get the same engine bits as standard.

The popularity of 4-cylinder engine in the US is not widespread to say the least, but with car makers struggling to deal with emission restrictions etc. change might be on the way. According to his Automotive, their use in North America will grow by 74 percent from 6.9 million to 12.2 million over the next 10 years.

The transmission choice is between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The fuel figures however have not been disclosed yet nor the price.

Source: Buick

June 12, 2012

Ford F-150 Special Service Vehicle Package

Ford have now released a package suitable for those who are planning to use the Ford F-150 as a fleet/utility vehicle. Think in terms of the fire or police department. Besides making the F-150 look pretty bad…posterior, the Special Service Vehicle (SSV) package includes a high-capacity 220-amp alternator and an interior fit for various needs.

“Our fleet customers have been asking us to create this option for F-Series trucks,” said Ford Government Sales Manager Tony Gratson. “We’re confident the current and updated 2013 F-150 equipped with the SSV Package will be of particular interest to our government customers with rugged jobs such as law enforcement, firefighting, and national and state park patrols.”

The Ford F-150 underneath the package can be either a SuperCab or a SuperCrew, a 4×2 or 4×4 and a 5.0liter V8 or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost – the combinations are pretty much endless.

The SSV seating package omits the 20 percent or the original 40/20/40 cabin setup and makes use of the mid-space for task-specific accessories. To provide even more space, the center console is missing as well.

Individual driver and first-row passenger seating surfaces are upholstered in easily cleaned cloth for

comfort over the long haul. There are virtually no boundaries however in terms of customization so that government or commercial needs are met. The SSV buyers can specifically order heavy-duty tires, 4×4 skid plates and a range of interior equipment.

Regardless of the choice you make – the 360 hp, 5.0-liter V8 or the 365 hp, 3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6 – you’ll always get the clever, fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission.

Source: Ford

June 12, 2012

Volkswagen Polo GTI 6R Synergetic Effects – A Joint Venture Project

Volkswagen Polo GTI 6R Synergetic Effects is very interesting result of the work of collaboration of CFC® in Weilheim with CFC® StylingStation® Neuss, the firms MK-SoundStyle Neuss, AIV in Heilbronn and ASA-Wheels from Kaiserslautern. They all have established a sort of a joint venture which has an effect this one-of-a-kind Polo.

The CFC® StylingStation® Neuss has done all the work concerning the exterior. What it has done basically is to entirely foil the Volkswagen in a princess-style camouflage design. As you can see this camouflage creates a delicate mixture of the two pink tints of different intensity and the two relatively colorless primary hues.

The vehicle how ever is not girlish at all! The Polo 6R comes with screw-threaded AP chassis with improved dynamics and is equipped with the most exquisite combination of wheels and tires: TEC by ASA AS2 Max.-Pink wheel rims in 8×18 inches are equipped with the package of tires by Falken, in the dimensions of 215/35-18.

Volkswagen Polo GTI 6R Synergetic Effects

There are also included some carbon parts for which is responsible blackGold designs. Eventually, the rear bumper makes Polo GTI 6R a true “piece of art”.

The interior of the Polo was made by MK-SoundStyle and AI, which have taken care for the acoustic system. In the Polo is included full audio system Rainbow DL-C6.2 with 20-mm silk tweeters and a neodymium speaker driver.

The Rainbow Intelli Sub 8 AFE, a very flat 200-mm active subwoofer in the body equipped with High Level In and the auto-start function, is also featured. Under the driver’s seat one can find a stable aluminum die-cast body, as well as the woofer with 2 x 2 Ohm dual oscillating coil and a remote control.

Source: Miranda Media

June 12, 2012

Top Gear Test Track Summed Up

Diehard Top Gear fans remember the times when the power lap board was pretty clean and simple – the Pegani Zonda C12 S took the lead right from the start and dominated the Top Gear Test track for 3 whole seasons. As the episodes rolled however, things sort of got out of hand and it became very hard to follow which is what and when.

Recently we stumbled upon a chart which manages to round up all the times achieved and all the information available in a nutshell. Well… quite a big nutshell but still. At the very beginning we see a wheel-type graphic which sorts all the cars that were tested by year of airing and track time and even indicates the weather conditions for every run.

Scroll down bellow and we get a more comprehensive time table of those same cars and the respective leaders marked in yellow. We personally, found out how cars which have held the lead the power board for a limited amount of time, tend to get lost in our consciousness (i.e. the McLaren Mercedes SLR).

Then there are the memorable runs such as the one of the Koenigsegg CCX which gained massive benefits from the Top Gear-suggested rear wing. Or the Bugatti Veyron‘s lap which at the time was eagerly expected but eventually flopped on the finish line ending up in the forth position leaving the Gumpert Apollo an undisputed king of times for 3 more seasons.

From then, the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport makes a brief appearance but 2 episodes later, the Ariel Atom 500 V8 pretty much embarrasses everyone and climbs the ladder so high that even as we speak, it still is the fastest road legal thing ever tested on the track.

Ariel Atom 500 V8 Front Angle

Further down, there’s some info on the top 10 most affordable cars that were “power lapped” on the track, some info about the track itself and… some say there’s a word or two about the Stig as well.

Finally, a number of awards which can only underline the show’s touch of comedic genius.The info graphic was styled and compiled by Boost Labs which deal with technology and design and share a fair amount of passion about cars believe it or not.

June 11, 2012

Category: Auto News